This parable has been known as the ‘Parable of the Dishonest
Steward.’ Possibly there could be another title.

Luke tells the story of the rich man who is going to fire his steward
for “squandering his (the rich man’s) property.”
Apparently the steward, who according to the customs of the time,
not only has been attending to the man’s business affairs,
but also has been padding his own wallet in the process. Both practices
are common to the time. The rich man is not unduly upset about the
padding, but is concerned about the squandering of his property.

What is the steward to do? Unemployment and hard labor are not
appealing. So, he follows his habit of self-protection. He continues
to protect himself, by summoning the master’s debtors and
instructing them to re-write their debts. He has them remove the
interest he initially charged them. The debt now reflects what is
owed to the master, minus his own personal cut. Clever fellow!

Is this the news of today? What is Luke trying to tell us? Where
is the goodnews?

Is this reading about honesty – possibly, and then some.
The steward may be clever, but there has been no conversion to honesty
per se. Possibly this reading is as much about vulnerability as
it is about honesty. The steward moves from one form of cocooning
his vulnerabilities to another. The steward’s actions stem
from feelings of insecurity and a need to protect himself and possibly
his family. He needs a job and apparently feels he needs more than
the job pays, so he steals; he squanders and pads the accounts.
When he is caught he feels threatened – physically, socially,
personally. More vulnerable than ever the steward moves toward those
who “may welcome me into their homes.” There
is an implied trust that he will be welcomed, offered hospitality.
We can only imagine how fearful, scared and vulnerable this man
feels regarding his future. His instinct, his habit is to protect
himself, only this time it is not with extra funds, but with the
anticipated hospitality of others. In spite of his past behavior,
he trusts he will be forgiven and welcomed.

Vulnerability is nothing new. It is a sacred ancient gift. It is
in vulnerability that I am nurtured, grow and become the woman I
am created to be. It is the hard crust of bad habit and the quick
sand of temptation. It is the nakedness of fear and the chill of
doubt. It is also the fertile ground of growth.

The good news: Within my deepest vulnerability our patient, gentle,
loving Jesus enters and invites me into his gracious and generous
hospitality. Jesus’ hospitality is offered not in spite of
who I am, but because of who I am.

So goes the parable of the ‘Vulnerable Steward.’

Click on the link below to send an e-mail responseto the writer of this reflection.jnjhowardr@cox.net